{"product_id":"catappa-bark","title":"Catappa Bark","description":"\u003cp\u003eCatappa Bark is the slow-release counterpart to our Catappa Leaves. It comes from the Indian almond tree (\u003cem\u003eTerminalia catappa\u003c\/em\u003e). Ours is imported from Indonesia, within the tree’s native range of tropical Asia, the Pacific, and northern Australia. Pieces are irregular chunks and strips about 10–27 cm (4–11 in) long. They are fibrous, layered, and brown to grey-brown. After prep, the bark sinks and starts tinting the water within hours, building toward a deep amber. Bark is dense, so it releases tannins more gradually than leaves and keeps working for months from a small amount. Tucked between rocks or set on the sand, it adds woody texture to the scape. Its rough surface grows biofilm for shrimp and small fish to graze. It’s a natural fit for Southeast Asian blackwater and biotope tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHabitat Snapshot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong1\u003eTannin Character: \u003c\/strong1\u003eHigh · \u003cstrong1\u003eWater Tone: \u003c\/strong1\u003eDeep amber · \u003cstrong1\u003eHabitat Origin: \u003c\/strong1\u003eIndonesia (native range: tropical Asia to the Pacific N. Australia) · \u003cstrong1\u003eBreakdown: \u003c\/strong1\u003eVery slow 3–12 months · \u003cstrong1\u003eBest For: \u003c\/strong1\u003eLong-term tannin conditioning · Hardscape accents · Biofilm grazing surfaces · \u003cstrong1\u003ePreparation: \u003c\/strong1\u003eRinse + Boil + Soak · \u003cstrong1\u003eUse with Caution: \u003c\/strong1\u003eCan lower pH in soft, low-KH, or RO water; not for hard-water species such as African rift lake cichlids · \u003cstrong1\u003eQuantity: \u003c\/strong1\u003e50 g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlow, steady tannin release that outlasts leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBreaks or cuts into hunks to tuck between rocks or rest on sand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery long lifespan — months of active chemical contribution from a compact volume\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBark surfaces build biofilm for shrimp or snails to graze\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse to remove loose debris. Boil for 30–45 minutes, then let the pieces soak in the cooled water until they sink. Break or cut the bark into hunks as needed. Wedge them between rocks or set them on top of the sand. Start with 5–10 g per 10 gal (38 L) and adjust to the tint you want. Monitor pH, especially in soft or RO water. Tannin output tapers over 3–6 months, so top up or replace the bark when the color fades. Pairing: Use it with Catappa Leaves. The leaves give quick color up front, and the bark carries the tint long-term.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eWild bettas, dwarf cichlids, gouramis, and shrimp in blackwater, biotope, and breeding tanks where you want tannin-tinted water without heavy leaf coverage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"product-notice\"\u003ePlease Note: Not for human consumption. Preparation required. Because this is a natural product, size, shape, color, and texture will vary from piece to piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLet the botanical become part of the system. The value is in the slow breakdown, biofilm, tannin character, habitat texture, and natural behavior it encourages. This is where sunken forests come to life.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackwater Scapes","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51838272012584,"sku":"BWS-BK-03","price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0990\/1729\/4120\/files\/ChatGPTImageJun13_2026_07_43_10PM_9.png?v=1781397529","url":"https:\/\/blackwaterscapes.com\/products\/catappa-bark","provider":"Blackwater Scapes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}